Fuerte de San Diego facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Diego Fort |
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| Native name Spanish: Fuerte de San Diego |
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the remains today with Gibraltar in the background
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| Location | Algeciras, Spain |
| Built | 1730 |
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The ruins of Fuerte de San Diego (which means Fort of San Diego in Spanish) are what's left of an old castle. You can find these ruins in Algeciras, a city in Spain. This castle was built in 1730. Its construction happened after Gibraltar was captured in 1704.
History of the Fort
The Fort of San Diego in Algeciras was a military building. It was built around 1730. Spain wanted to protect its land near Gibraltar. So, they built many forts in that area.
This fort was one of several defenses in the Bay of Gibraltar. These forts were built after Spain lost control of Gibraltar in 1704. Their main job was to stop British ships from hiding in the harbor. They also protected Spain from a possible British attack. The fort was located at a place called Punta del Fraile. This spot was important because it worked with the Fort Punta Carnero, which was further north.
Why the Fort Was Destroyed
The Fort of San Diego was destroyed in 1811. At that time, Spain and the United Kingdom were allies. They were fighting against Napoleon, a powerful French leader. Many forts in the area were destroyed then. The British wanted to make sure Napoleon's forces could not use these forts.
Colonel Sir Charles Holloway led the destruction of the main Spanish defenses. This happened on February 14, 1810. Crowds of people came to watch the big explosions. After the main defenses were blown up, other towers were also destroyed. Volunteers then helped to clear away all the rubble. Only the tower of the Fort of San Diego remains today.
See also
In Spanish: Fuerte de San Diego (Algeciras) para niños
